"The Dark Side of Reverence" by F. M. Hepton

ABOUT THE BOOK

What begins as a routine assignment quickly spirals into a battle for survival, thrusting Cane into the heart of a rebellion led by… monks?! With the once-peaceful realm of Valoria teetering on the brink of chaos, Cane uncovers the dark forces at play—an insidious plot helmed by the evil Duke Nieman, whose black corruption spreads through the land like an unseen, macabre curse. 

At the center of it all looms the enigmatic High Priestess Atropa, a figure steeped in occult power, whose ultimate goal is nothing short of Valoria’s complete domination. As Cane fights to untangle the web of lies and betrayal, he encounters magical creatures and uncovers an ancient key that may hold the answers to it all. But not all is doom and despair. Alongside his unlikely companions, Cane discovers moments of wit and humorous camaraderie, even in the bleakest corners of his new world in turmoil.

And then there’s Baroness Gradunce, whose beauty and mysterious allure leave Cane questioning everything—even his own heart. As the battle rages on, Cane must navigate a perilous quest to save Valoria, facing mythical powers, haunting revelations, and the chilling truth: not everything that shines is gold, and some truths are better left unknown.

The Ascendance Trilogy

• The Dark Side of Reverence
• Shadows Over Valoria (Coming in April 2025)
  
• Dominion (Coming in November 2025)
  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Francesca is the author of over 15 books and has made the leap from fun kids' books to dark fantasy. She loves delving into the weird and wonderful, whether it’s ancient stone circles, esoteric myths or the unexpected miracles lurking in the woodlands. She’s the mother of two strapping lads and is lucky enough to live in North Yorkshire, where the gothic landmarks inspire, the pies are to die for, and the weather has a unique way of shaking creativity out of its slumber (the Yorkshire version of Kundalini yoga is a bracing walk through the dales and moors in the icy cold rain).

Passionate about a healthy body and mind, Francesca helps children grow strong and confident through Kiki and Friends and her journaling course. She also volunteers as a fitness instructor at a local club—because dark fantasy authors need to stay battle-ready.

Peasant Magazine, Issue 3

Journey once more through a portal that takes you back in time to historical eras and across dimensions to fantasy realms within the pages of Peasant Magazine, a literary magazine will captivate your mind, ensnare your senses, and breathe new life into ancient legends. In our third issue you may lose yourself in realms forgotten and far away lands as our storytellers immerse you in the mystical words that whisper of epochs long ago.

Join us as we once more leap through portals to worlds unexplored and supernatural adventures, each waiting for you to explore them in the pages of Peasant Magazine's Issue #3.

Purchase the 8.5x11 print versions of Peasant Magazine via Amazon.

 

 See Past Issues of Peasant Magazine to download the PDF versions.

 

Browse the other contributions and works of the indie authors who contribute to Peasant Magazine by visiting an Alphabetical List of Peasant Magazine's Contributors.

 

 

CONTENTS
 

"The Battle of Fire God Island" by Jeffrey J. Hoy
"What the Devilkin spake to the Ocean" by D. G. Ironside
"The Undying Island" by Caleb James K.
"Rhymes with Orange" by J. D. Dresner
"A Goddess in Godom" by David Carter
"The Peasant Child" by Lita Kurth
"Fear" by Sean Mooney
"The Felling" by Brigham Magnusson
"A Thief of Baghdad" by Elliott Capon
"Wolfsbane and Belladonna" by Charles Moffat

"Descend" by L. R. Friedman

ABOUT THE BOOK

A hidden portal isn’t something most students bargain for when they enroll at Halston University.

When a mysterious black envelope arrives during freshman orientation—one inviting Kyleigh Roberts to the school’s prestigious secret society—she immediately feels an unexplainable pull to pledge.

What Kyleigh doesn’t realize is that getting closer to the answers she’s been searching for will force her further from everything she’s ever known.

She plummets into a dark realm full of magic and twisted creatures that once only lived in her bedtime fairy tales. Grappling with explosive powers that begin to emerge, Kyleigh stumbles into a stranger—a woman with glowing eyes who claims she can help.

Since Aislin discovered her gift, she’s been nothing more than a weapon—one wielded by criminals. The idea of freedom has always been just that, an idea. A luxury for those who don’t possess her talent for delivering a swift and merciful death. But for the first time, she’s given a shot at the freedom she’s craved for years.

The catch? She must use her gifts one final time to carry out a mission fueled by revenge against the man least deserving of her mercy.

When Kyleigh and Aislin’s stories become entangled, the two women from worlds apart must find a way to join forces against a vengeful king or risk remaining pawns in a deadly game played by those in power.

Descend is the first book in the Blaze Legacy series.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author L.R. Friedman loves curling up with a cup of coffee while diving into the romance of magical worlds.

She currently lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.

When she's not writing, you'll find her enjoying tacos, dark chocolate, and the occasional glass of whiskey.

The girl that grew up trying to find a hidden realm in her closet, she hopes to transport readers to beautiful, sexy, dark, and enchanting places through her stories.

"Beneath the Shatter" by T. A. Reilly

ABOUT THE BOOK

The fall of magic led to the rise of corruption.

Twelve years ago, Cassandra left Verastarr, the land she had grown to love. Shortly after, she watched the Vanaiyer realm fall to the Nordak. The Vanquishing tore apart the five regions, brought about by Seefers—creatures born of corrupt magic—and the banishment of powers.

Shadows are creeping in closer than ever.

Entrapped in a mist of time, Cassandra finds herself back in Verastarr. The region is different. Darker. Sinister. Is it the presence of wolvyn Commander, Prince Sébastien Capetian, or something more ominous?

Don’t play with the big, bad wolf, unless you want to get bitten.

Monsters prowl under the darkness of night, but the dangers hiding in broad daylight are even more treacherous. In a time where those with ancient magic are hunted, can Cassandra trust those around her?

A destiny fabricated of secrets and lies.

As truths are revealed, Cassandra is forced to take a stab at destiny before she falls prey to the terrors of the Nordak. But it would mean giving up the present … and her future.

Is the sacrifice worth the inevitable outcome?

Beneath the Shatter

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

T.A. Reilly is an author of NA fantasy romance with equal levels adventure, time travel, and romance mixed in. 

Reading came naturally to her at a young age, and the words began flowing shortly after that. She has traveled all over the world from a young age and is constantly counting down the days until her next trip! After graduating with a master’s in Professional Communications, she decided to pursue her lifelong dream… bringing time-travel to life on paper. 

Currently, she and her husband call Florida home. In her free time, she loves rewatching Friends, going to the beach, and staying up too late lost in a good book.

"All the Chaos of Constellations" by Hillary Raymer

Book One of the Starstorm Series

The stars never lie.

Novalise has until the end of Midsummer to marry, but when fate binds her to a male who wants nothing to do with her, she finds herself uncertain of what to do—choose a husband on her own or let her brother decide for her. When a notorious assassin arrives with a tempting solution to her problem, Novalise strikes a bargain in hopes of winning her mate’s heart.But one stolen kiss will change everything.

Asher wants nothing to do with love or the inevitable pain it brings, so when one fateful kiss reveals his mate, he immediately refuses to accept her. Until the female bound to him announces her engagement to a deadly assassin with a brutal reputation.

When he discovers a plot against the queen that puts Novalise in danger, Asher must decide whether to protect his own heart and walk away forever or challenge her betrothed in a fight he cannot win in hopes of re-claiming what he lost: her heart.

In a world of bargains and magic, betrayal and bonds, not even the stars can promise that love will prevail.

All the Chaos of Constellations is the first in a fantasy romance collection of interconnected stand-alones set in a world where marriage is necessary, but love isn’t always guaranteed. Filled with swoony, Bridgerton vibes, this spicy tale of unrequited love and fake dating brings you a broody fae lord and the darling fae lady determined to win his heart…if she isn’t forced into an arranged marriage first.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hillary Raymer is a fantasy romance author. She’s a wanderer, a storyteller, and believes in happily ever afters.

She has an unfinished Bachelor's Degree in English, because she ran off and married a Marine halfway through college. She loves the mountains and the beach, but would also like to live in a place where it was autumn year round. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. When not writing, Hillary enjoys reading, doodling, and buying more plants she doesn’t need.